However, Abellio did not withdraw and, as a result, the two bus operators ended up competing between Kingston and Addlestone.

Mr Worley said: ""Both the Surrey County Council (SCC) local bus team and NWSBUG have made strenuous efforts to persuade Abellio to extend its 461 from Addlestone to St Peter's Hospital.

"Or Hallmark to extend its 557 from Addlestone to Walton/Field Common.

Hallmark bus (left) and Abellio bus (right) (Image: Mark Worley)

"Despite the possibility of some SCC support funding, both operators have declined to do this because they fear that the extended routes might not meet stringent punctuality standards set by the Traffic Commissioner.

An SCC spokesman said: “While there is a rising need for care services putting unprecedented pressure on our finances, we recognise that this is a vital service to the hospital so we have made sure another operator is covering the affected part of the route.”

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